A Warm Wind from Hawaii

A warm wind from Hawaii caresses my cheek,

whitecaps race towards seagulls sheltered in Brown's Bay

a jib, tight reefed, no bigger than a handkerchief

steers north, aslant tide rip waves, making slow way.

Dry persimmon leaves too brittle for a lei,

crackle underfoot as I pick yellowing fruit,

breathing clean air that touched palm fronds yesterday.

Re-connecting with times past, moments taken root,

in memory's wayside places not overwritten by time's pursuit.

A layer of damp darker cloud sliding into place

incipient with rain but not yet, sails hang slack.

Still air awaits a sudden flash, lightning's menace,

aware it will all begin with a thunder crack.

Thanksgiving approaches, then Santa with his sack.

Sweet corn on the front door welcomes a visitor

into a room where it's warm and food doesn't lack.

Fine food garden fresh always room for one more

pleasure found in putting memories and berries in store.

Rain falls from clouds backlit by an unseen moon.

A weather front passing through, it's a good day for books,

a good day for inner things, crossword puzzles, poems.

Dear Erato, may I sit beside you, stroke your leg.

Ask you to read my poem while I try not to distract

with my caress of your thigh my lowering mouth.

It's a long poem. you might read riding astride 

would you get to the end all the way to page twelve

it could be a long slow ride beside the ebbing tide.

Richard M Russell (C) Dick Russell

                             2023